Drill stem tester



Sept. 11, 1951 l.. coUR'rER DRILL STEM TESTER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 26, 1946 Inventor 'j Atlornqys e0 Courier.

Sept. 1l, 1951 Filed Sept. 26; 1946l L. couRTx-:R 2,567,321

DRILL STEM TESTER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Il 7@ lure/1to1' K $2/ leo Courier.

Sept l1, 1951 l.. couR'rER 2,567,321

DRILL STEM TESTER 11 1re/liar [eo @ou/'fen amiga/way /l/f f ,1,

Attorneys Patented Sept. 11, 1951 UNH-ED :s TATl-:fs PATENT Aforti-cl3 DRILL STEM TESTER --Leo Cour-ter, Oklahoma .xCty, Okla. Application September 26, 1946,`Se`r`ial No."699,489

This invention relates to .novel and useful improvements in a drill-stem tester and more specically pertains -to anapparatus that is automatically operable to close off and -seal a portion of a well bore forvsecuring information regarding the ability-of a formation to produce water, oil, or gas.

The principal-objectsof this invention `are to provide ra testing apparatus which `may be applied to existing-well bor-esywhether cased or-uncased-by 'merly'attaching the same to the end of a -dr-'ill stem; which is "fully automatic in its operation; which is operable to seal or close the bore `at -any desired location therein for sealing olf Aa .pressure-producing formation below said seal; which has an automatically applied and released :sealing means; wherein a predetermined Vtime interval is-es-tablished before-'the sealing means is completely applied; wherein-a sample of .the 'formationmay be automatically 'secured after the device isseated inthe bore; wherein a safety-:means is provided 'for insuring f-closing of the sampling device before the'seal is removed and' theapparatus withdrawn from the fbore; and wherein the foregoing are kobtained by an eilicient, easilyV employed 'anddurable apparatus;

These, together with various ancillary objects which will llater vvbecome apparent as the following description proceeds, are realized by my device,one embodiment of'which has been illustrated, by way of example only, in the-accompanying drawings, whereinv like vnumerals indicate similar parts throughout the various views, and wherein:

AFigure 1 lis a view in vertical elevation illus-Y tratingthe insertion of my device infa-well bore;

Figure 2 isan elevation of the upper portion of my apparatusparts being shown in section to more clearly depict the structure-of the same;

AFigure'B is a view similar to'Figure'Z but showing the lower portion of my device;

Figure 4 is anrelevationalview of `the-central unit forming a part of my device;

-Figure 5 is an elevational view of an intermediate unitary member forming another part of my device;

Figure 6 is an-elevational view of `an outside member forming va part vof nay-device;

Figure 7 is a -view similar to Figure 3, but showing vthe rvarious parts in a different position of operation;

Figure-8 is a view in elevation of a portion of the device illustrating the sealing means in its engaged position;

vFigure v9 'is a lhorizontal sectional view taken 26 Claims.

2 vsub"stanti-ally Iupon the-section line 99 Zofi-Figure 2y-anti Figure 1'0 is 'ahorizontal sectional -view being taken substantially vupon the sec-tion -line I -il--HI of Figure Referring now more specifically to the-attached drawings, -wherein similar --numeralseindicate -l-ike par-ts 'throughout the -severa-l views, Anumeral im denotes generally my novel ltester which consists of a -series-of--concentric --and telescopic-elements -and which is-shown positioned -i-n la vwell casing fl2,-a1thou'gh-it will be understood-that 'the apparatus is fully susceptible A`of use with un- Icased Wells or bores- The tester includes laneaxial, tubular supporting member 16, (-see Fig-4), -a telescop'ing intermediate-unit I6, (see Fig. 5) ,fand an outer-orsealing element --I`f8, (see Fig `6) gene-ral, brief statement of the Amanner-of functioning of the device .will assist in under standing --the structure `to be 'subsequently A*se-t forth. The axial, or inner-member indicated at i4 and -shown in-elevation in Figure-'4, is intended-to be directly --secured to the conventional, tubular drill stem --tha-t is lnow-commonly employed in Idrilling -or in working -deep wells. The intermediate member, indicated at -I-'6 and shown -in elevation-in Figure 5, is -mou-nte'd upon an'dsura rounds La portion of l-the member Id, and has -relative longitudinal, controlled movement thereon in a mannerto be-'subsequently `set-forth. The `outer --member, I8, indicated in elevation iin-Figure 6, isfmounted-upon and surrounds l-the member I6, andalso 'thelower en-d 'of member Iilyand 'constitutes the sealing means which is intended to Y'completely seal, -at will, a selected-portion of the bore of the well-creasing as desired and-as set f'forth hereinafter. The structure -is -s'o-designedthat when the device is gradually lowered into a well-casing or bore, a bypass is previdetl about land within the sealing lmeans `to permit the free passage and il'oW of the drilling Ymud usually found in such a bore in order to facilitate the passage fof the -device into and-out-of the well. vAs soon-as the lower --end ofthe sealing meanshaslseated -upon the bott-om of the well bore,v ythe downwardly descending axial inner member rI4 successively performs a-series of functions in timed relation, to thereby-close the'by'- pass extending through the sealing member, eX- pand-theflatter into sealing engagement with'the walls of the/bore of 'the well, and nally, after a predetermined time interval, open a valve port establishingcommunication -between o the interior of the drilling stem,the axial tubular `member I4, and the interiorof 'the well bore below the sealing means for the purpose of sampling or testingthe pressure, rate of flow, composition of the product of the well bore, or any other desired data. The device is so designed that when the testing or sampling of the productive capacity of the well formation is completed, the drilling stem, together with the axial tubular member I4, is slowly withdrawn or lifted from the well bore, producing in timed sequence, first, a closing of the valve port of the testing element, a reopening of the interior bypass around the sealing member, and then a collapse and release of the sealing engagement with the Walls of the bore, whereupon the entire device may be freely withdrawn from the drilling mud in the bore.

Attention is now directed, first, to the construction of the axial tubular member I4, as shown best in Figures 2, 3 and 4. This unit comprises, at its upper portion, a tubular sleeve 22, having its upper portion externallythreaded, as at 24, for engagement with a tubular drilling stem of conventional and known design. At its lower end, the tube 22 is secured in the interior bore of a piston 26 as by means of screw threads 28. This piston is provided with a known type of packing or sealing means indicated at 30, which is retained in a groove in the external surface of the piston as by a packing gland 32. The piston is provided with an internal bore 34 in free communication with the interior of the tubular member 22, and receiving the upper end of a depending sleeve or tube 36, by means of any suitable fastening agency, as, for example, screw threads or the like. The depending tube or sleeve 36 adjacent its lower end is provided with a series of ports or apertures 38 establishing communication between the interior and exterior thereof for a purpose to be later set forth, and is closed at its lower end, as by a plug or cap 46, a domeshaped housing or sleeve 42 being detachably positioned upon the lower portion of the cap 46. This sleeve 42 is provided with a suitable port 44 for the purpose of establishing free communication between any suitable instrumentality such as pressure, temperature, or other measuring devices, not shown, which may be housed within the sleeve 42. As so far described, the unit I4 operates as a single, rigid member, which is directly attached to the lower end of the drilling stem and is raised or lowered thereby.

Attention is next directed to the intermediate unit I6, shown best in Figures 2, 3 and 5. The member I6 at its upper end comprises a hydraulic chamber formed by an upper sleeve 46 and a lower sleeve 48, connected by an intermediate bushing 50, as by screw threads upon the external surface of said bushing and the internal surfaces of said sleeves 46 and 48. The upper end of sleeve 46 is provided with a gland 52, having an annular aperture 54 adapted to surround, in spaced relation, the tubular member 22. Inwardly extending lugs 55 constitute grinding ribs slidably engaging and centering the tube 22 in the aperture 54 and member 46. lAt its lower portion, and extending inwardly from the interior surface thereof, the bushing 56 is provided with a plurality of radially extending ribs 56 constituting stop means for engagement with the upper end of the piston 26 in a manner to be subsequently set forth. At its lower extremity, the sleeve 48 is internally screw threaded for engagement with the upper surface of a cylindrical member 58, this latter member being axially bored, as at 66, for loose sliding engagement upon the tube 36 and counterbored at its upper extremity, as at 62, for the reception of a packing means 64 retained by a packing gland 66. The

packing gland 66 and packing 64 serve to maintain a uid-tight seal between the cylindrical member 58 and the tubular member 36, upon which the unit I6 and the member 58 slide. At its lower portion, the bore 66 is counterbored, as at 68, for screw-threaded engagement by a depending tube or sleeve 'I6 which slidably and snugly embraces the tubular member 36 for a purpose to be later set forth. At its lower extremity, tube i6 is threaded to engage the internally threaded, upper portion of an axial bore of a sleeve 12, channeled or scalloped on its upper edge at '13, for establishing a continuous passage between passage S8 and the port II6, the lower portion of whose bore receives a packing means 'i4 retained as by a packing gland 16. The packing gland 'I6 has the major and lower portion of its bore 'I8 filled with a packing or sealing material, as at 8,6, which is retained therein in compressed relation by a packing gland 82. It will be thus seen that the cylindrical members 'I2 and 'I6 which are attached to and relatively slidable with the depending tube l are provided with a double packing means in sliding and sealing engagement with the axial depending tube 36.

Attention is now directed again to member 58. The latter is enlarged intermediate its length to provide a shoulder portion whose lower surface is beveled or tapered, as at 84, to provide a sealing surface for a purpose to be later set forth. As shown best in Figure l0, the lower surface of member 58 is provided with an annular series of axially extending bores 86 whose upper portions are intersected by radially extending bores 88 communicating with the exterior surface of the lower portion of the member 58 for a purpose to be subsequently set forth.

Attention is now directed, more specifically, to the upper portion of Figure 2, wherein a freefloating, annular, disk-like piston 96 is disposed within the cylindrical members 46 and 48 and is provided with a packing 92 upon its exterior surface for sealing engagement with the interior walls of said cylindrical members and is further provided with an annular, internal packing 94 adapted for sealing engagement with the axial tubular member 22. The piston constitutes an annular piston in the annular chamber between the tubular member 22 and the interior cylindrical surface of the sleeves 46 and 48 and defines, below the piston S6 and above the piston member 26, a hydraulic chamber of variable size for a purpose to be later set forth. The lower cylinder 48 defines, by its internalsurface, a lower hydraulic chamber within which reciprocates vertically the piston 26 between the limits defined by the ribs 56 of the bushing 56 and the abutting action of the packing gland 32 upon the cap or plug member 66.

Attention is next directed to the sealing` member I8 best indicated in Figures 2, 3 and 6.' The sealing member is composed of an axial tube or sleeve 96 constituting an arbor which is spaced from the tubular member 'Ill to provide an annular passage 68 therebetween for a purpose to bc later set forth. Mounted to envelope and surround the arbor 96 are a plurality of annular rubber sealing units |60, although any other material may be employed which is of a compressible and elastic nature, and will otherwise meet the extreme conditions imposed upon the same. These units, indicated individually at |00, have metallic washers I 03 vulcanized to their upper and lower surfacesforfthe purposelof limitingfthe' zones l`of distortion of fthe same in a manner to be later set forth. The :units |00 are retained upon the arbor 86 by means of a collar |02 screwthreadedly engaging the upper Vend ofthe arbor and `by a collar '|04 loosely rpositioned upon the lower end of the arbor, andretained thereon as by a gland |06 having radial ribs |01 for guiding engagement on tube l0, andsCreW-threadedly engaging the arbor 9.6, as shown in Fig. 3. By means of proper adjustment of the collars |02 and |06, the packing units |00 may be given a predetermined .amount of compression vand radial expansion in order to conform `to a given situation. At its upper end, the collar |02 is provided, upon its internal surface, with a packing means |08 retained by a packing gland l l0, whose upper surface is beveled yas -at I |2 in conformity with the .sealing surface 84. Attached to the lower end ofthe collar |04, .as by internal screw threads, is a depending anchor or tail pipe |,|.4 which apertured intermediate its length as at I6, and is provided with a cap orclosure at its lower` end, as at H8. The length of the anchor pipe ||4 is so chosen and adjusted that when the lower end thereof ||8 rests upon the bottom of the well or bore, the packing elements |00 will be positioned at the desired height or location in the well bore.

At this point, attention is again directed to the piston member 26, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure '9. An annular series of bores |20 in axial planes are provided in the piston 26 connecting the upper and lower surfaces thereof and the lower ends of these bores terminate in enlarged portions receiving ball. check valves |22 retained in their upper and closed position against the exit of the bores by 'means of coil springs |24, the latter being retained by an annular ring |26. The passages |20 constitute bypass means for the piston 26, which permits flow `of fluid from above the piston to the chamber beneath the piston when the piston ascends, but close to pre vent return flow and therefore check the descent of the piston. As shown best at |28 in Figure 9, a.

further series of axially extending, annularly spaced bores |28 are provided between the bores |20, and these constitute passageways connecting the hydraulic chambers above and below the piston 20. The passageways |28 are of such diameter that they constitute a restricted, limited leakage means to slowly permit flow of hydraulic fluid from the chamber beneath the piston to that above the piston as the latter descends within the chambers. It will therefore beA seen that by this construction, the descent of piston 26 in the hydraulic chamber requires a predetermined time, while the upward travel of the piston is instantaneously permitted by opening of the check valves |22.

The functioning of my device is as follows. The assembled device, as shown in Figure l, and attached to the lower end of a drill stem, not shown, is lowered into a well bore or casing, after the predetermined length of anchor or tail pipe H4 has been attached to the lower end of the sealing unit I8. As soon as the lower end I8v of the anchor pipe engages the bottom of the well bore, the device automatically begins to operate. By means of the seating of member ||8 upon the bottom of the bore, the tail pipe, and consequentlyA the sealing unit, become stationary and cease their downward travel. It will be readily understood that the sealing elements possess the great-` clearance with the walls of the bore of the well I2. Consequently, as the unit or device is lowered in the well, the drillingmud which fills the same is freeto pass about the external surface of 'the sealing means without'retarding, appreciably, the descent of the zsame. As the axial tubular kmember M, and thesurrounding intermediate member I6 carried thereby, `is further lowered or pressed downwardly into the well bore by means of their weight'and .the weight of the tubular drillstem, not shown, attached tothe upper end thereof, the piston 26, by means of the trapped fluid beneath the same and Ywithin the sleeve member 48, slowly urges the member 58 downwardly until ysuch time as the 4beveled seating surface 84 is in sealing engagement with the beveled surface 2. Prior to this time, the annular passageway vlt'r'within the arbor 66 has vbeen in continuous and open communication with the drilling mud in the well casing I2 upon both sides of the sealing elements |00 by means of the passageways 86 and 88 at the upper end thereof. As soon as the surface 84 seats upon the surface l2, the weight of the drill stem transmitted through piston 2 6V and the hydraulic chamber below the piston and through "the member 58, is directly transmitted to the collar |02 and thence through the sealing elements V|00 to the collar |04 which rests directly upon the stationary tail pipe H4. As this pressure increases, and as the arbor 96 is free to slide within the sealing elements |00 and through the lower collar |04, the weight 'of the drilling stem causes a downward deformation and radially outward expansion of the sealing elements |60 until they engage the walls of the well bore l2, as shown best in Figure 8. An efficient sealing engagement is thus established at a plurality of spaced Zones between the sealing elements and the wall of the bore, and these ones may be of `various widths and spacing, thus dividing the well b or'e .into upper and lower compartments which are effectively sealed from each other. In order to prevent too great a strain and too much wear upon the sealing or packing elements |00, by imposing the entire and very considerable load of the weight of all of the drill stem on the same, a safety or limiting means is provided, this means Vcomprising the usual weight indicating gauge .attached to the drill stem cable at the surface of theground. When this gauge shows a predetermined tension on the drill stem cable, further lowering movement Ais halted. However, owing to the leakage passages or bores |28, further downward movement of the axial tubular member 4 is still permitted and the piston 26 and the depending tube 36 slowly travel downwardly until the lower surface of piston 26 rests upon the upper surface of packing gland 66. During this last portion of the downward movement of ythe tubular member 36, the ports 38 descend past the packingk members 14 and 80, and are uncovered below the latter member, so that complete communication is established between the interior of the tubular drill stem, not shown, the member 22, the bore 34 of piston 26, the tubular member 36, port 38, the interior ofthe tail pipe |4, and the aperture ||6 to the chamber in thc well borel below the sealing means |00. During this time, suitable measurements and tests may be made through this passageway now established from the interior of the seal-off portion of the well bore, with a View to determining its productive capacity as to pressure, volume, nature of material, and the like, and for the purpose of 7, obtaining a sample of the production of the formation.

It will be understood, that during the downward travel of my device in the Well bore, the drilling mud found therein will have free access by means of the passage 54 to the upper side of the floating piston 90, thereby imposing a gradually increasing load upon the hydraulic fluid contained between the floating piston and the upper end of the piston 26, to thereby impose a load upon the member B and maintain the sealing engagement between surfaces 84 and ||2. The downwardly extended position of the axial tubular member I4, during which the valve port- 38 is opened, is fully illustrated in Figure '7. The position of the parts shown in Figures 2 and 3 represents generally the position assumed by the parts during the downward travel and insertion of the device in the well bore, and before the automatic operation has been initiated, with the exception that the showing in Figure 3 represents the limit of the downward travel of the arbor 96 and the member |06 relative to the tail pipe i4. I desire to call attention to the fact that the rate of leakage through the passageways |28 is preferably chosen to require from two to iive minutes before the piston 26 has sufficiently completed its descent within the cylinder 48, to effect an opening of the port 38. This time delay has the very useful function of preventing a premature opening of the valve port 38 before the device has become seated in the bottom of the well. For instance, if the cap member ||8 should hit an obstruction in the well, a suicient length of time is required for the completion of the automatic operation of the device as to sealing the bore and opening the sampling ports, to permit the rapid raising and lowering of the drilling stem and the device in order to break away the obstruction, it being understood that upon raising the member I4 immediately causes piston 26 to travel to the top of its cylinder in member I6, as above set forth.

When the tests are completed and it is desired to remove the device, the initial upward movement of the drilling stem and of the axial tubular member i4 rst closes the sampling port 38, the sealing means being still retained in sealed position by means of the weight of the drilling mud as transmitted through the passageway l54, piston 90, hydraulic chamber in the sleeve 46, piston 26, hydraulic chamber in sleeve 48, member 58, and collar |02. This weight prevents premature lifting of the intermediate member and premature releasing of the sealing engagement as when the tube 22 starts to raise, beginning to close the sampling valve 38. Continued upward movement of the axial tubular member next lifts the piston 26, which, by means of the check valve |22, is now freely slidable upwardly in the sleeve 46, until the upper end of the piston engages the ribs 56. At this point, the valve 38 is now fully closed, and continued upward travel of piston 26 lifts the intermediate member, breaking the seal between the surfaces 84 and ||2, and eventually opening the passageways 86 and B8, permitting free flow or communication through the bypass 98 about the sealing unit |00. At this moment, the pressure causing the distortion of the sealing units and their sealing engagement with the well bore is released and the sealing units returned to their normal dimensions, whereupon the entire device is readily withdrawn from the well.

In view of therforegoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it

8 is believed that a clear understanding of the construction, operation and advantages of the device will be quite apparent to those skilled in this art.

Particular attention is now directed to the double sealing means |4 and 80 which is an extremely important part of the successful operation of the invention. When the tester is lowered and just beginning to seat, the interior of the drill stem and the tubular member |4 is at substantially atmospheric pressure. The pressure in the bore of the well, at the moment of opening valve ports 38 is extremely high, even as much as thousands of pounds per square inch. As the ports 38 pass the lower edge of seal to the position of Fig. 7, the difference of pressure causes an inflow of gas. mud, etc., from the well bore below the sealing members |00 with the interior of tube 36. The velocity and pressure differential of this flow almost invariably corrodes, abrades and destroys the effectiveness of the packing means at that point. Consequently, packing 80 is no longer capable of sealing the ports 38 when the tester is closed for withdrawal. Therefore, the upper packing 14 is relied upon to establish the sealing engagement of tube 36 and ports 38 for trapping a sample in tube 36 during the withdrawal.

Obviously, the lower seal 80 would necessarily be replaced after each operation of the device. As will be apparent, a series of successive seals similar to '|4 and 80 may be incorporated if desired.

It is to be understood, however, that even though I have herein shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention that the same is susceptible to certain changes fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention as herein described and within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

l, An attachment for testing the productive capacity of deep wells including an axial tubular member engageable with a tubular drilling stem, a concentric member supported by and slidable longitudinally of said axial member, an outer sealing member slidably supported upon said concentric member, means establishing open communication between the interior and exterior of the sealing member, and a valved passage in said axial member establishing communication between the exterior of said concentric member and the interior of said axial member, and actuating means controlling said valved passage, said actuating means including a hydraulic chamber interposed between said axial member and said concentric member for transmitting thrust therebetween, said hydraulic chamber consisting of a piston carried by said axial member and a cylinder carried by said concentric member, a floating packing slidable in said cylinder and upon said axial member and means establishing open communication between the outer side of said packing and the exterior of said cylinder.

2. An attachment for testing the productive capacity of deep wells including an axial tubular member engageable with a tubular drilling stem, a concentric member supported by and slidable longitudinally of said axial member, an outer sealing member slidably supported upon said concentric member, means establishing open communication between the interior and exterior of the sealing member, and a valved passage in said axial member establishing communication between the exterior of said concentric member and the interior of said axial member, and actuating.' means controlling said` valved passage, said actuating means'. including a hydraulic chamber interposed. between'said axial member and said concentric member for transmitting thrust therebetween, said hydraulic chamber consisting of a piston carried' by said axial member and a cylinder carried by said concentric member, a floating packing slidable in said cylinder and upon said axial member, and means for subjectingth'e upper surface of said floating packing to the pressure existing exteriorly of the attachment.

3'. The combination of claim 2 wherein said sealingmember includes spaced deformable members. radially expansible to engage the wall of a bore and seal a portion thereof.

4. The combination of claim 3 and means carried? by said sealing member for adjusting the expansion of said deformable members.

5. The combination of claim 2. wherein said sealing member includes a tail pipe having a first collar vertically adjustable upon the upper end thereof, anV arbor slidable in said first collar, a second collar vertically adjustable upon the upper end of said arbor, and spaced deformable members about said arbor and interposed between said rst andY second collars.

6.. The` combination of claim 5 wherein said arbor includes an annular passage and said concentric member includes a lower portion slidably received in said second collar having a conduit terminally communicating. with said annular passage and the interior of a well bore.

'7. The combination of claim 6 and means for closing said passage and conduit.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said means includes a valve carried by said lower portion and a seat carried by said second collar for receiving said valve.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said valve includes a shoulder on said lower portion above said conduit and said valve seat includes an annular recess in the upper end of said second collar.

10. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sealing member includes spaced deformable members radially expansible to engage the wall of a bore and seal a portion thereof.

1l. The combination of claim 10 and means carried by said sealing member for adjusting the expansion of said deformable members.

12. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sealing member includes a tail pipe having a first collar vertically adjustable upon the upper end thereof, an arbor slidable in said rst collar, a second collar vertically adjustable upon the upper end of said arbor, and spaced deformable members about said arbor and interposed between said first and second collars.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said arbor includes an annular passage and said concentric member includes a lower portion slidably received in said second collar having a conduit terminally communicating with said annular passage and the interior of a well bore.

14. The combination of claim 13 and means fork 127. An attachment for testing the productive capacity of deep wells including an axial tubular member engageable with a tubular drilling stem, a concentricv member supported' b'y and slidable longitudinally of said axial member, an outer sealing member slidably supported upon said concentric member, means establishing open communic'ation. between the interior' and exterior of the sealing membenand av'alve'd passage in said axial member` establishing communication between the exterior of said concentric member and the interior of. said'. .axial member, and actuating means controlling. saidvalved passage, said actuating means. including a hydraulic chamber interposed: between said axial member and said concentric member for transmitting thrust therebetween', said hydraulic chamber consisting of a piston carried' by said. axial member and a cylinder carried by said concentric member, a floating packing slidable in saidV cylinder' and upon said axial member, means for subjecting the upper surface of said floating packing to the pressure existing exteriorly` of the attachment, andmeans for effecting relatively rapid ow of hydraulic fluid pastthe piston upon movement of the piston in onev direction and for effecting relatively slow flow of hydraulic fluid past the piston-upon movement of the'pistonin the opposite direction.

18. The combinationl of claiml 17 wherein said l'ast mentionedy means includes a first series of bores extending through said piston from the top to the bottom thereof, one Way check valves positionedin said bores, and a second series of bores of lesser diameter than the bores in said first series extending through said piston from the top to the bottom thereof.

19. An attachment for testing the productive capacity of deep wells including an axial tubular member engageable with a tubular drilling stem, a concentric member supported by and slidable longitudinally of said axial member, an outer sealing member slidably supported upon said concentric member, means establishing open communication between the interior and exterior of the sealing member, a valved passage in said axial member establishing communication between the exterior of said concentric member and the interior of said axial member, and actuating means controlling said valved passage, said actuating means including a hydraulic chamber interposed between said axial member and` said concentric member for transmitting thrust therebetween, said hydraulic chamber consisting of a piston carried by said axial member and a cylinder carried by said concentric member, a floating packing slidable in said cylinder and upon said axial member means establishing open communication between the outer side of said packing and the exterior of said cylinder, means for effecting relatively rapid flow of hydraulic fluid past the piston upon movement of the piston in one direction and for effecting relatively slow flow of hydraulic fluid past the piston upon movement of the piston in the opposite direction.

20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said last mentioned means includes a rst series of bores extending through said piston from the top to the bottom thereof, one way check valves positioned in said bores, and a second series of bores of lesser diameter than the bores in said first series extending through said piston from the top to the bottom thereof.

21. An attachment for testing the productive capacity of deep wells including an axial tubular member engageable with a tubular drilling 11 stem, a concentric member supported by and slidable longitudinally of said axial member, an outer sealing member slidably supported upon said concentric member, means establishing open communication between the interior and exterior of Athe sealing member, a Valve passage in said axial member establishing communication between the exterior of said concentric member and the interior of said axial member, actuating means controlling said valved passage, said actuting means including a hydraulic chamber interposed between said axial member and said concentric member for transmitting thrust therebetween, said hydraulic chamber consisting of a piston carried by said axial member and a cylinder carried by said concentric member, a iloating packing slidable in said cylinder and upon said axial member, means for subjecting the upper surface of saidfloating packing to the pressure existing exteriorly of the attachment, means for effecting relatively rapid ow of hydraulic fluid past the piston upon movement of the piston in one direction and for eiecting relatively slow flow of hydraulic fluid past the piston upon movement of the piston in the opposite direction, said sealing member including a tail pipe having a rst collar vertically adjustable upon the upper end thereof, an arbor slidable in said rst collar, a second collar vertically adjustable upon the upper end of said arbor, and spaced deformable members about said arbor and interposed between said rst and second collars.

22. The combination of claim 2l wherein said 12 i arbor includes an annular passage and said concentric member includes a lower portion slidably received in said second collar having a conduit terminally communicating with said annular passage and the interior of a well bore.

23. The combination of claim 22 and means for closing said passage and conduit.

24. The combination of claim 23 wherein said means includes a valve carried by said lower portion and a seat carried by said second collar for receiving said valve.

25. The combination of claim 24 wherein said valve includes a shoulder on said lower portion above said conduit and said valve seat includes an annular recess in the upper end of said second collar.

26. The combination of claim 25 wherein said last-mentioned means includes a first series of bores extending through said piston from the top to the bottom thereof, one way check valves positioned in said bores, and a second series of bores of lesser diameter than the bores in said irst series extending through said piston from the top to the bottom thereof.

LEO COURTER.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Boynton Nov. 12, 1942 Number 

